[Transfer]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Its a great car but what is so special that there has been "no 3-series like this one"?

It's bigger/roomier, more upscale, faster (by a huge margin), handles well, has a standard LSD, and xDrive models have more RWD bias. I'd argue it looks better too. In fact I'll drop a pic.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Transfer

It's bigger/roomier, more upscale, faster (by a huge margin), handles well, has a standard LSD, and xDrive models have more RWD bias. I'd argue it looks better too. In fact I'll drop a pic.

Does your car have laser lights? Nice looking car BTW! Great combo!

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Does your car have laser lights? Nice looking car BTW! Great combo!

Yep. The only reason I added exec pack.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Yep. The only reason I added exec pack.

Nice! What's included in that package on the G20?

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Nice! What's included in that package on the G20?

Parking assist plus, gesture control (lol), auto high beams, and the laser lights with better looking LED DRLs.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Parking assist plus, gesture control (lol), auto high beams, and the laser lights with better looking LED DRLs.

I love the ICON DRL's. Thanks for the description. Do you remember if the laser lights were available a'la carte?

[Ikester19]

Originally Posted by m34m

Why doesn't anybody have the balls to say this thing is huge? It's 8 inches longer than an E90 sedan and 4000lbs!!! I test drove it and couldn't stand it before leaving the parking lot. Add to that the car is soft and it's a big NO. ZF tranny stinks unless it's in auto mode but shifting it is pointless and downshifts are slow and slushy. This car felt like a big old Buick from the past except a really fast one. BMW seems to have the following formula these days: make them big and heavy then engineer the shit out of them to defy physics and do things that vehicles of that proportion and mass shouldn't be able to do. Some people get stuck marvelling at the engineering while I think that formula is flawed and doesn't make for a fun car. I also drove the X3M and had a very similar opinion.

I wouldn't say it's HUGE, it's a comparable size to similar cars in its segment. It is heavy as are most mid sized sedans these days but all the extra comfort, safety and tech equipment comes at a cost - extra weight. Having said that it's not much heavier than current M cars like the M2, M3. As for the ZF tranny, it is awesome for what it is but of course it's not as crisp in shifting as the DCT.

I for one went for the M340i for those very reasons as I expect most others did; smoother tranny, less harsh ride, great tech and its size which is a compromise between being too large or too small, perfect too in my case for family duties.

[Lighting.Grey]

What can I say? 3-series is a 3-series, you can't expect it feels like a 8-series. Lol

[Al Bundy's Dodge]

Originally Posted by m34m

Why doesn't anybody have the balls to say this thing is huge? It's 8 inches longer than an E90 sedan and 4000lbs!!! I test drove it and couldn't stand it before leaving the parking lot. Add to that the car is soft and it's a big NO. ZF tranny stinks unless it's in auto mode but shifting it is pointless and downshifts are slow and slushy. This car felt like a big old Buick from the past except a really fast one. BMW seems to have the following formula these days: make them big and heavy then engineer the shit out of them to defy physics and do things that vehicles of that proportion and mass shouldn't be able to do. Some people get stuck marvelling at the engineering while I think that formula is flawed and doesn't make for a fun car. I also drove the X3M and had a very similar opinion.

I think the Buick comparison is spot on...I had the same thought when driving the 330.

And I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. But for those of us who loved the engagement that the generations before the F30 offered, it's pretty disappointing. The G series is a comfortable ride, nice interior, and quality tech.

But the car lacks that unique engagement I was hoping for. It's a bit generic feeling, and lacking excitement, like a Buick. Not to mention no 6MT.

Still an excellent vehicle, and I wouldn't be sad to have one. I just wouldn't be excited to drive it either.

The M2 on the other hand...thank god BMW can still build something like that. It's just a shame that the kind of engagement that car offers used to exist up and down the BMW lineup. Now it seems to only exist on a couple of models at best.

[wtwo3]

Here are my thoughts:

- It's no M car, and I don't think it's fair to even compare it to one, but it's an absolute beast of a daily driver at a ~$15k lower entry point.
- It's got the refinement and relative comfort of a daily driver, with a hint of M division performance sprinkled in. It's an awesome midpoint if you want a little (a lot of) taste of M performance but aren't willing to take on a full fledged, 0 compromise M car.
- Someone mentioned at no point did they want to take it to the mountains and push it. Well I'd encourage them to do so, because when it's pushed to its limits, it's surprisingly capable and incredibly fun.
- The ZF 8spd is incredible. Not sure why anyone would knock it in comparison to other auto transmissions out there.
- In terms of the weight/size - that's an overall industry trend, it's not specific to BMW. Cars in general are becoming heavier with more safety, insulation, technology, refinement packed in.

[JDUNITNOW]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Here are my thoughts:

- It's no M car, and I don't think it's fair to even compare it to one, but it's an absolute beast of a daily driver at a ~$15k lower entry point.
- It's got the refinement and relative comfort of a daily driver, with a hint of M division performance sprinkled in. It's an awesome midpoint if you want a little (a lot of) taste of M performance but aren't willing to take on a full fledged, 0 compromise M car.
- Someone mentioned at no point did they want to take it to the mountains and push it. Well I'd encourage them to do so, because when it's pushed to its limits, it's surprisingly capable and incredibly fun.
- The ZF 8spd is incredible. Not sure why anyone would knock it in comparison to other auto transmissions out there.
- In terms of the weight/size - that's an overall industry trend, it's not specific to BMW. Cars in general are becoming heavier with more safety, insulation, technology, refinement packed in.

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Here are my thoughts:

- It's no M car, and I don't think it's fair to even compare it to one, but it's an absolute beast of a daily driver at a ~$15k lower entry point.
- It's got the refinement and relative comfort of a daily driver, with a hint of M division performance sprinkled in. It's an awesome midpoint if you want a little (a lot of) taste of M performance but aren't willing to take on a full fledged, 0 compromise M car.
- Someone mentioned at no point did they want to take it to the mountains and push it. Well I'd encourage them to do so, because when it's pushed to its limits, it's surprisingly capable and incredibly fun.
- The ZF 8spd is incredible. Not sure why anyone would knock it in comparison to other auto transmissions out there.
- In terms of the weight/size - that's an overall industry trend, it's not specific to BMW. Cars in general are becoming heavier with more safety, insulation, technology, refinement packed in.

Do you think that people who are making comments similar to OP that it feels like a Buick are die hard track people. They can't get it out of their heads, the car is not setup for that type of use on a daily basis. My opinion is I don't want that type of car for a daily but if I want to occasionally act a little hooligan, the car can perform and I can go back to being civilized. I don't believe it is fair to criticize a product thats made for 90% of the buying preference.

[BMV///M3]

I had a 16' F80 and now have a G20 M340 so I'll share my thoughts. First off if I had my choice I'd take the F80, yes it is more raw and that 3-2 shift was harsh (though I think they fixed it in the later models). The F80 just has a stance and presence the G20 doesn't. It is definitely much more raw but I enjoyed it. But that is what works for me. Others may like the G20.

the G20 is a great car and very well balanced in power, tech and comfort. It's crazy quick, not as quick as the F80 but does the job. Also in our situation I ended up with a new role at work that I ended up with a company vehicle (a ford :/) so the wifey drives the M340. She definitely prefers it over the M3. So we have the M340 and a 2009 civic that I want to sell and buy a 2000-2001 Type R

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by Wyndi335I

Do you think that people who are making comments similar to OP that it feels like a Buick are die hard track people. They can't get it out of their heads, the car is not setup for that type of use on a daily basis. My opinion is I don't want that type of car for a daily but if I want to occasionally act a little hooligan, the car can perform and I can go back to being civilized. I don't believe it is fair to criticize a product thats made for 90% of the buying preference.

Yeah the Buick comparison is another mind-boggling comment. And not just any Buick.... a "big old Buick from the past". I'm not even sure how to reply to it because it's one of the most nonsensical things I've heard.

I fully acknowledge it's not a full-on track focused M car, nor is it meant to be. But to call it a Buick is absolutely ridiculous. Being a die-hard track person doesn't automatically put you out of touch with reality. Does Lewis Hamilton think of his AMG GTR as a minivan?

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by jstein55

Agree, while new BMW's may never live up to their past, the M340 at least handles and drives well. The G30 5er on the other hand, I may actually agree with the Buick comment at least for that car.

And that wouldn't be a totally unreasonable argument there, especially when considering the G30 is meant to be a comfortable cruiser. I'd still argue it handles much better than a "big old Buick from the past", but the comparison would be more understandable.

I think the fact that the G20 M340i gets so much comparison to an F80 is more a compliment to the M340i than it is a knock against the F80. I haven't seen quite as many comparisons to the F30 340i, which it's a direct successor to. This tells me just how much BMW has improved the car (typical issues such as steering feel aside).

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yeah the Buick comparison is another mind-boggling comment. And not just any Buick.... a "big old Buick from the past". I'm not even sure how to reply to it because it's one of the most nonsensical things I've heard.

I fully acknowledge it's not a full-on track focused M car, nor is it meant to be. But to call it a Buick is absolutely ridiculous. Being a die-hard track person doesn't automatically put you out of touch with reality. Does Lewis Hamilton think of his AMG GTR as a minivan?

Most of them have probably never even driven a Buick, let alone a big one from the past. It is ridiculous.

[EXE46]

So true, heck I have never driven a Buick and have no desire to. I did however had the misfortune of getting a Nissan Altima when I took my car in for an update. It was an eye opener since I had not driven a mainstream car in ages.

Terrible drive, felt like it had no steering, shoddy cut transmission. I cursed daily having to drive that pos to work. People here have no concept of what cars drive like today lol, sure had me at Buick. I'll say that M340i size is perfect for me. E46 was a tight fit, couldn't fit adults in the back except one as skinny as myself.

Give it time, with the way things are, M340i will soon be known as the best modern non M BMW ever built. M340i is the old E39 in size. All other sedans in BMW's lineup are bigger. I will say it is midsize although BMW doesn't classify it as such.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by EXE46

So true, heck I have never driven a Buick and have no desire to. I did however had the misfortune of getting a Nissan Altima when I took my car in for an update. It was an eye opener since I had not driven a mainstream car in ages.

Terrible drive, felt like it had no steering, shoddy cut transmission. I cursed daily having to drive that pos to work. People here have no concept of what cars drive like today lol, sure had me at Buick. I'll say that M340i size is perfect for me. E46 was a tight fit, couldn't fit adults in the back except one as skinny as myself.

Give it time, with the way things are, M340i will soon be known as the best modern non M BMW ever built. M340i is the old E39 in size. All other sedans in BMW's lineup are bigger. I will say it is midsize although BMW doesn't classify it as such.

+1


Hopping into a more mainstream car is definitely an eye opener.

I remember when the E46 M3 was referred to as a bloated, heavy pig because it was bigger and heavier than the E36 M3. It's kind of funny to read comments on the forums nowadays proclaiming that it was the perfect size. It's interesting how years/time change(s) perspective(s). Hindsight is 20/20 I suppose.

I remember parking my '14 F30 335i M-Sport next to an E46 M3 back in 2014. It made the E46 M3 look small despite me not feeling like my F30 was big. I actually chuckled. When I was driving E46 M3's back in 2002-2005, I felt like the car was big relative to other cars at the time.

[ryivnx]

I love how a re view of this car somehow ended up being M4 vs M340 once more, haha.

I've had F80 M4, E60 M5, supercharged E36 M3 and others. I currently have an E46 M3 in garage as well as fully spec'd M340i that I custom ordered. So I have a few thoughts on comparing these.

Bottom line, like many others have pointed out, modern cars are just better at being cars. They are more "livable" with. I drive 70 miles per day to work so my M4 "lost" its magic on a daily commute and became a nuisance with its stiffer ride and rawness. The DCT was twitchy (not as twitchy as my former M5 tho). And the interior/tech in the new M340 is worlds apart from the F generation.
M340 chassis is much more structurally rigid than either E60 M5 or E46 M3.

Obviously M4 was more raw. S55 is more responsive in sport plus and does pull more aggressively. So I installed a stage 2 tune on my M340 and now it feels better than my M4 did. Just need wider tires than my 255 MPS4.

I take the old E46 M3 with 3 pedals and 6 gears on weekends for a spirited drive. It has a carbon box, and the true pleasure comes from the combination of your physical engagement with it, the sound of the motor as well as the rawness and responsiveness of the S54.

So, in the end of the day I ended up keeping three cars - the new M340 and the old E46 M3 and wife's 328d. They each serve completely different purposes though.

[BMWM3DREAM]

For those forum members that are arguing that M340i too heavy, the 330i, is from what I have read, two hundred and sixty-seven pounds lighter which makes a marked difference. I also heard that the steering rack on the G20 is totally redesigned whereas the steering rack is only updated in the M340 from the F30 platform. Comparing the two cars, the 330i and M340i, has anyone felt the 330i is more sporty albeit less powerful and much more maneuverable than the M340?

[MaverickM]

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Here are my thoughts:

- It's no M car, and I don't think it's fair to even compare it to one, but it's an absolute beast of a daily driver at a ~$15k lower entry point.
- It's got the refinement and relative comfort of a daily driver, with a hint of M division performance sprinkled in. It's an awesome midpoint if you want a little (a lot of) taste of M performance but aren't willing to take on a full fledged, 0 compromise M car.
- Someone mentioned at no point did they want to take it to the mountains and push it. Well I'd encourage them to do so, because when it's pushed to its limits, it's surprisingly capable and incredibly fun.
- The ZF 8spd is incredible. Not sure why anyone would knock it in comparison to other auto transmissions out there.
- In terms of the weight/size - that's an overall industry trend, it's not specific to BMW. Cars in general are becoming heavier with more safety, insulation, technology, refinement packed in.

Wrong it is an M car. Otherwise they wouldn't sell it as an M and place m all over it 😂

It's just an entry level M for the 3 series.

[elitex]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

Wrong it is an M car. Otherwise they wouldn't sell it as an M and place m all over it 😂

It's just an entry level M for the 3 series.

lol here we go again.... There was a whole giant thread on this. Not an M car just like C43 is not an AMG and just like Mercedes 6.3L AMG engine wasn't a 6.3 even though Mercedes put 6.3 badges on it.

My wife's X5 50i has M all over the place, doesn't make it an M car/suv...

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by M340xixixi

Wrong it is an M car. Otherwise they wouldn't sell it as an M and place m all over it 😂

It's just an entry level M for the 3 series.

I love my M340i and think it's absolutely incredible. It's an excellent daily driver, it's a ton of fun when I push it, and it's scary fast. I love it more as the time goes by as well, finding more and more ways to push it to the limits and seeing what it can do.

But I will fully acknowledge it's not an "M" car in the traditional sense.

In my mind an M car is purpose-built for the track. The M340i isn't built for the track, it's a daily driver tuned with added performance (albeit a LOT of added performance).

Similarly a C43 isn't a true AMG because true AMG's (like the C63) have hand-built motors.

Just because the marketing department decided to slap an "M" in front of the 340i or "AMG" after the c43, don't confuse them for what they're not. These are performance variants of daily drivers, not track cars.